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International Rose Test Garden

400 SW Kingston Ave · Portland, OR

Why you should go…

Established in 1917, this Washington Park garden trials new rose varieties on terraced beds overlooking downtown Portland and, on clear days, Mount Hood. More than 10,000 rose bushes bloom from spring through fall, giving Portland its nickname, the City of Roses.

  • #garden
  • #roses
  • #views
  • #washington park

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to International Rose Test Garden, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Date Night

    Portland Japanese Garden

    Under $25

    A meticulously tended traditional Japanese garden called one of the most authentic outside Japan.

    Steps awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Washington Park

    Free

    A 410-acre Portland park home to the Oregon Zoo, Japanese Garden, Rose Test Garden and miles of trails.

    0.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    World Forestry Center

    Under $25

    An interactive Portland museum in Washington Park teaching visitors about forests and sustainable forestry.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Tours
    Local Gem

    Creo Chocolate

    $25–$50

    Bean to bar chocolate factory tours and tasting bar in Portland's Lloyd district.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Pittock Mansion

    Under $25

    A hilltop 1914 chateau-style mansion with sweeping views of Portland and, on clear days, five Cascade peaks.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Oregon Zoo

    $25–$50

    A hillside zoo in Washington Park known for its elephants and a summer concert series.

    0.9 mi awayMore like this